* Arabic influence on Spanish is indirect: Arabic influence primarily came through the centuries-long presence of the Moors in the Iberian Peninsula (present-day Spain and Portugal). This means words entered the language not directly from Arabic, but rather from the languages of the Moors, often with a blend of Arabic and other influences.
* No definitive list: There isn't a comprehensive list of all Arabic loanwords in Spanish. Many words have undergone significant changes in pronunciation and spelling over time, making their origin unclear.
* Contesting definitions: What constitutes an "Arabic word" is also debatable. Some words are so integrated into Spanish that they are considered part of the core vocabulary, while others are more specialized or regional.
However, some sources estimate that Spanish has around 4,000 words of Arabic origin. This is a significant number, demonstrating the lasting impact of the Moorish presence on the language.
Here are some examples of words of Arabic origin in Spanish:
* Alfalfa: (al-fasfasah)
* Alcohol: (al-kuhul)
* Almendro: (al-mandhuurah)
* Azúcar: (al-sukkar)
* Jarabe: (sharab)
* Alcázar: (al-qasr)
* Alquimia: (al-kimiya)
It's important to note that these are just a few examples. The presence of Arabic words in Spanish is widespread, enriching the language and reflecting its complex history.